Politics
Attacks: INEC takes final decision on Anambra guber election today
The Independent National Electoral Commission will today hold an emergency security meeting in Abuja to take a final decision on the conduct of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
There are fears that the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the state may hinder the conduct of the election.
Political parties and candidates have reportedly suspended their campaigns owing to the worsening security situation in the state.
Director, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, Victor Ayodele Aluko, told Daily Trust Monday that the emergency Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting would among others deliberate on the way forward.
Asked if the INEC was considering postponing the election as a result of the insecurity in the state, he said the answer would come after today’s meeting.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had last Wednesday expressed fears over the worsening security challenges in the state.
However, politicians and residents of Anambra yesterday expressed hope that the election would hold as planned despite the security challenges in the state.
The director of media in the Andy Uba campaign council, Afam Ogene said the election would hold and the APC was prepared for it.
A director in the campaign organization of the APGA governorship candidate, Charles Soludo, Don Adinuba, said the insecurity would not affect the election.
Adinuba, who is also the Commissioner for Information in the state, said the government was putting measures in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.
Similarly, the publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, Nnamdi Nwangwu, said the party was hopeful that the election would hold and was preparing for it.
A resident of Awka, Philip Obasi, said that though there were concerns, the election would go as scheduled.
But Miss. Ngozi Uche, another resident, doubted that the election would hold as non-state actors “continue to decide when people come out and go in.”
The vice president of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Ogene-Okeke, urged the federal and state governments to give the citizens hope of safety.
“Security is the duty of the federal and state governments. They should do the needful by providing security to the people. Nobody is happy that people are being killed every day unchecked. Killing is killing either in Anambra or Zamfara,” he said.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the security challenges in the country
The Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, charged his personnel to be firm and resolute inmtaking the battle to the doorstep of the attackers.
Election date shift, tenure extension possible — Lawyers
A lawyer, Tawo Eja Tawo (SAN), said: “INEC still has the powers to shift the election provided it doesn’t clash with the inauguration of the new governor and provided the incumbent governor’s stay does not extend beyond four years.”
For Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, based on Section 180(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the tenure of a governor can be extended for not more than six months in all if there is a situation of war.
“I think after that period, then the speaker of the state assembly takes over for three months renewable for another three months until INEC can conduct an election,” he said.
Another lawyer, David Onyeike, said if the violence escalates, the federal government could declare a state of emergency and appoint an administrator for the state.
Daily Trust
Politics
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed claims that he has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A close associate of the ex-governor informed Channels Television that the allegations are baseless and the work of detractors. The aide emphasized that El-Rufai, as a prominent political figure, would not join the PDP without making such a decision public.
READ ALSO:
- Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
- Why Fubara can do business with three lawmakers – Court
- As Hamas, Israel quarrel over talks, Israeli intensifies strikes in Gaza
El-Rufai also addressed the speculation on his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, urging the public to ignore the rumors and asserting that legal action has been initiated against those spreading falsehoods.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai posted on Sunday.
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Politics
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
In Delta State, some PDP elders have queried Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over alleged anti-party activities.
The elders under the aegis of ‘Concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State chapter, urged Oborevwori to either confirm or deny rumours of his alleged romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, in a statement by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyor, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome and Mr Ezekiel Chukwudi, also urged the governor to either confirm or deny his defection plan.
The statement reads in part: “The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the APC
“You have been secretly romancing top aides to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
READ ALSO:
- Why Fubara can do business with three lawmakers – Court
- As Hamas, Israel quarrel over talks, Israeli intensifies strikes in Gaza
- WAEC announces resit exams for candidates from Jan/Feb 2025
“Top presidential aides and allies of the president are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture.
“A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”
However, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Festus Ahon, dismissed the query, which he attributed to opposition politicians in the state who are afraid of the governor’s landmarks.
He said: “Those people are not from the PDP. They are elements who want to heat up the polity. The governor is comfortable in his party and has no plan to defect to the APC.”
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Politics
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a warning over the fractured state of Nigeria’s opposition parties, cautioning that their lack of unity could allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the organization expressed fears that Nigeria may drift towards a one-party state if opposition parties fail to align their efforts.
“The opposition parties are currently working at cross-purposes, scheming to undo each other ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” Ezema said. “This lack of unity and focus is detrimental to the democratic process and the future of Nigeria.”
The CNPP also advocated for a rotational presidency, emphasizing the need for each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to have a constitutionally guaranteed turn at the presidency. The group believes such a system would promote fairness and ensure stability.
“The presidency must rotate between the northern and southern regions to ensure equitable representation,” Ezema stated. “This is crucial for the long-term stability of our nation.”
READ ALSO:
- 25-year-old man arrested for allegedly kidnapping minor in Kano
- Protest in Ondo community over plans to impose monarch
- Osimhen scores 10th goal as Galatasaray beat Goztepe 2-1
The CNPP underscored the importance of unity among opposition parties if they hope to challenge the APC effectively. “The opposition that can win the 2027 presidential election must be united, strong, focused, purposeful, and daring,” Ezema stressed.
“They must demonstrate a commitment greater than what the APC displayed in 2014.” he noted.
Ezema further described the APC as “a very hard nut for the opposition to crack,” warning that a divided opposition would make the ruling party’s victory inevitable.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s New Year message, the CNPP urged the President to go beyond rhetoric. “Words alone are not enough. The President must take concrete steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation,” Ezema said
The CNPP called on opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. “Unity is not just desirable; it is essential,” Ezema concluded.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the CNPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for political cohesion among opposition parties.
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
-
Business2 days agoMeta deletes AI accounts after backlash over posts
-
Business2 days agoPetrol price may crash to N500/litre, say marketers
-
metro3 days agoYouths beat Osun monarch for appointing Imam
-
metro3 days agoMosques should be research centres – Varsity don
-
Entertainment2 days agoKano suspends Kannywood actress over indecent dressing, provocative content
-
metro2 days agoYar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo
-
metro3 days agoEdo LG chairman, 8 councillors, defect to APC
-
metro3 days agoDrunk police officer ‘frees’ 13 suspects to celebrate new year